7 Toronto Parks You Can BBQ In With Your Own Grill

Summer in Toronto is made for spending time outdoors. With warm weather, long evenings, and plenty of green space across the city, there’s no better excuse to gather family and friends for a barbecue. The challenge is knowing which Toronto parks actually allow you to bring your own grill.

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This guide covers the best parks in Toronto for BBQs, including where you can bring a portable grill, what facilities are available, and what you need to know before you fire up the coals.

With the sun setting close to 9 PM during summer, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy an afternoon cookout or a relaxed evening barbecue. Whether you’re grilling burgers by the beach, cooking up a feast in a city park, or enjoying a picnic with skyline views, all it takes is a portable grill, a cooler full of food and your favourite local brewery beers, and a few friends. It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy a cottage-like summer experience without ever leaving Toronto.

How To Choose The Right Toronto BBQ Park

Image via Unsplash by Sandro Schuh

Not every Toronto park offers the same experience. Some are perfect for families with young children, while others are better for beach days, waterfront views, or large gatherings. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best BBQ spot for your group.

Which Toronto Parks You Can Bring Your Own BBQ To

While this isn’t a complete list of every park where you can barbecue in Toronto, it covers some of the city’s best spots for a summer cookout. As you’ll learn below, with an approved permit, you can bring a portable BBQ to many parks across Toronto.

Of course, you’ll also see plenty of people firing up their own grills in parks throughout the summer without permits. While enforcement can be inconsistent, it’s important to know that fines can be issued and people do occasionally receive tickets from bylaw officers.

The parks below are some of our favorite places in Toronto to bring your own grill (BYOG), whether you’re planning a family picnic, gathering with friends, or simply looking for an excuse to enjoy the city’s short but glorious summer season.

1 – Bluffer’s Park And Beach

Nestled at the foot of the Scarborough Bluffs, Bluffer’s Park is one of the most scenic places in Toronto to set up a BBQ with friends and family. Located on the city’s east side, the park is a unique setting where dramatic 20-storey white cliffs meet a sandy beach, marina, and the sparkling waters of Lake Ontario.

With plenty of green space for picnics, walking trails along the waterfront, and beautiful views in every direction, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a family gathering or a laid-back summer cookout with friends, Bluffer’s Park feels a world away from downtown Toronto while still being within the city limits.

2 – Milliken Park

Also located in Scarborough, Milliken Park is one of the best family-friendly parks in Toronto for a summer BBQ. The sprawling green space features a large playground, scenic pond, walking trails, and plenty of room for kids to run around while the adults relax.

Picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, making it easy to set up a portable grill and enjoy a laid-back afternoon outdoors. With its combination of open space, recreational facilities, and peaceful setting, Milliken Park is a popular choice for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, and weekend picnics.

This is also one of the parks ranked in the best parks in Scarborough.

3 – Ashbridge’s Bay Park & Woodbine Beaches Park

Image via Flickr kara.anne fraser

Ashbridges Bay Park and neighboring Woodbine Beach are easily among the best places in Toronto for a summer BBQ. This stretch of waterfront combines sandy beaches, expansive green spaces, beach volleyball courts, and the iconic boardwalk that runs along the shoreline, creating the perfect setting for a full day outdoors.

There is plenty of room to set up a portable grill, spread out with friends and family, and enjoy the lake views. When you’re not tending the BBQ, you can take a walk along the boardwalk, cool off with a swim, or join a game of beach volleyball.

With so much space and so many activities nearby, it’s easy to see why this is one of our favorite spots in the city for a summer cookout.

4 – Earl Bales Park

Image via Flickr by Sean_Marshall

While Earl Bales Park is best known as one of Toronto’s ski and snowboarding destinations in winter, but the warmer months transform it into a sprawling green space that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings and summer BBQs.

The park’s rolling hills, wooded trails, and open grassy areas provide plenty of room to spread out with friends and family. Surrounding the former ski hill are picnic areas, walking paths, and quiet spots where you can set up a portable grill and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the city’s busier waterfront parks.

If you’re looking for lots of space and a more natural setting, Earl Bales Park is an excellent choice.

5 – Centennial Park

Image via Flickr by edk7

On Toronto’s west side, Centennial Park is one of the most feature-packed parks in the city and an excellent place for a family BBQ. As one of Toronto’s largest regional parks, it offers far more than just open green space, making it easy to turn a simple cookout into a full day of activities.

The park is home to an impressive range of attractions, including a conservatory, cricket pitches, a disc golf course, a go-kart track, marshlands, and a scenic man-made pond. There are plenty of picnic areas and open spaces for setting up a portable grill, while the variety of recreational facilities means there’s something to keep everyone entertained before and after lunch.

If you’re planning a family gathering, Centennial Park is one of the most well-rounded options in Toronto.

6 – High Park

Image via Flickr bobcatnorth

High Park is one of Toronto’s most iconic green spaces and a favorite spot for picnics, gatherings, and summer BBQs. Spanning nearly 400 acres, the park offers a mix of open lawns, shady tree-covered areas, gardens, walking trails, and plenty of space to spread out with friends and family.

Its central location makes it especially popular with those living in downtown Toronto who want an easy escape from the city without traveling far. Whether you’re setting up a portable grill for a casual afternoon cookout or making a full day of exploring the park, High Park offers one of the best urban picnic settings in the city.

7 – Toronto Island Park

Image via Flickr by dungodung

Toronto Island Park is one of the most popular places in the city for a summer BBQ, combining family-friendly attractions, waterfront scenery, and some of the best views of the Toronto skyline.

Families with young children will especially enjoy nearby attractions such as Centreville Amusement Park and Far Enough Farm, making it easy to turn a simple picnic into a full day out.

One of the best ways to explore the islands is by bicycle. You can rent bikes on the island itself, bring your own, or use Toronto’s bike-share program before boarding the ferry.

For a quieter escape, take a ride or stroll over to Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, one of Toronto’s oldest landmarks, or simply find a picnic table along the shoreline and enjoy the unbeatable city views.

Toronto Islands is a favorite BBQ destination, but there is one important rule to remember: propane and gas BBQs are not permitted on the ferry for safety reasons. If you’re planning to grill on the islands, you’ll need to bring a charcoal BBQ instead.

Before heading over, be sure to check the latest ferry schedule and fares, especially during busy summer weekends.

Toronto Island BBQ Tips

Toronto Islands is one of the most popular places in the city for a BBQ, but it does require a little extra planning.

• Only charcoal BBQs are permitted on the ferry. Propane and gas BBQs are not allowed.
• Arrive early during summer weekends, as picnic tables and popular waterfront spots fill up quickly.
• Pack everything you’ll need before boarding the ferry, as supplies on the islands can be limited and more expensive.
• Consider bringing or renting a bike to explore more of the islands before or after your meal.
• Check ferry schedules before you leave, especially if you’re planning to stay for sunset.

What Are The Rules Around Bringing Your Own BBQ Grill?

For the City of Toronto, the bylaw to focus in on is Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 608, sub section 10b which states:

While in a park, no person shall use any portable barbeques unless authorized by permit or where posted to allow the use.

In reading this, you’d easily jump to the conclusion that they’re not allowed but it is allowed if:

• You have a permit – Go to this page to learn how to get a permit. You’ll need this permit to reserve a picnic site. From a Toronto Parks representative: “When you do book a picnic site, it tell you in the conditions of use that the BBQ should be propane and not Charcoal (reversed for Toronto Islands).” This means that all permit bookings include the use of a portable BBQ automatically.
• You’re using it in an area that’s designated for portable barbecues – I have reached out to the City of Toronto and they said that while the bylaw does say this, in practice, they’ve never done this where they’ll designated a specific area that’s allowed for portable BBQs.

When Do You Need A Permit?

Many Torontonians may not be aware, but there are a couple of scenarios where you need a permit from the city. These permits are typically to book specific picnic sites at designated parks.

• Social gatherings larger than 25.
• You’d like to use a portable BBQ.

A permit not only gives you permission to barbecue, but also reserves a specific picnic area, shelter, firepit, or designated gathering space depending on the location you’ve booked.

If your group has fewer than 25 people and you’re not bringing a portable BBQ, you can generally use park picnic areas on a first-come, first-served basis without a permit.

The cost of a permit is $112.57 + HST a day.

Phone number listed above is outdated but might still redirect you to the same place

There are also some special picnic shelter areas that can only be used by permit only. In the above, Thomson Memorial Park has a number of these special picnic areas.

How Do You Obtain A Permit?

To obtain a permit, you should first familiarize yourself with the BBQ rules which are laid out by the city. In this article, you’ll find much of the information you’ve read in this article.

There are two ways you can get a permit. You can either book online or you can call in.

Calling To Obtain A Permit

Call the City of Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation customer service call centre at 416-396-7378. Their hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

Their reps will walk you through the permit booking process.

Obtain Permit Online

There are a couple of steps you need to follow to submit for a permit online. The City of Toronto booking platform is quite rudimentary but it gets the job done.

1. Before you book online, you’re going to need a family/organization number and PIN. You can obtain this by calling 416-396-7378.
2. Book online on this City of Toronto website. Click on the ‘Picnics, Fire Pits & BBQs’ tab from the list.
3. It will take you to a full booking system for all parks available for booking. You can select your location and date to get your permit and reservation.
4. Payment is done online and a receipt will be issued to you.
5. Print out your receipt. This is your physical copy of the permit.

When Don’t You Need A Permit

To clarify a few things, let’s talk about the scenarios where you don’t need a permit.

• For the permanent grills you see in parks around the city, these don’t require you to obtain a permit if your group is 25 or smaller. The exception is if you want to reserve the picnic site, that’s when a permit/booking is required.
• If your group has fewer than 25 people and you’re not bringing a portable BBQ, you generally don’t need a permit unless you’d like to reserve a specific picnic area, shelter, or firepit.
• Keep in mind that unreserved picnic tables and park spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bring Your Own Grill Ideas

Image via Flickr by hepp

Here are a few ideas to think about as you prepare for your own bbq session at one of the local Toronto parks.

Propane, Electric Or Charcoal?

Much of this comes down to preference but the key distinction that you need to know is that charcoal is what gives food that smoky grill flavor. On the other end of the spectrum are electric grills. While it tastes healthier, it isn’t able to replicate that authentic grill taste. That said, electric grills are much easier to control whereas coal is requires a bit more management and difficult to maintain at lower temperatures.

The middle ground is a gas such as propane or butane. Flavor-wise, it’s closer to charcoal but not quite the same. Gas is easier to control than charcoal and definitely less messy as well.

When you’re thinking about a portable grill though, electric isn’t a common choice because there typically isn’t a power source to plug into unless you’re at a campsite with outlets or you’re near your camper/RV. Portable electric grills are also quite expensive.

If we were to choose, we’d stick with propane because you don’t have to deal with the challenges of lighting charcoal and lugging heavy bags of coal around and you get a close-enough flavor profile. Gas is just much more portable and easier to use.

What Grill Should You buy?

• Charcoal – Weber Charcoal Go-Anywhere Grill
• Disposable charcoal grill – Instant Light Disposable Grill
• Gas – Napoleon TravelQ
• Affordable Gas – Char-Broil Portable Gas Grill
• Electric – Weber Q 1400 Electric Grill

What To Pack For A Park BBQ

Before you head to the park, it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure you have everything you need. While the BBQ is obviously the star of the show, a few often-forgotten items can make your cookout much more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Charcoal – If you decide to go with a coal BBQ you will need to bring your own charcoal, same also applies if you reserve the permanent BBQs or fire pits in the parks
• Aluminum foil
• Food containers – The great outdoors is also home to critters and bugs, keep food temptation away from inviting them to share your snacks.
• Kitchen towels
• BBQ tool kit including flippers and tongs – These are usually the first thing to be neglected by previous guests or left out in all-weather to get damaged. Bring your own so your BBQ afternoons are well equipped.
• Wine openers/Beer openers – How many times have you scrambled around kitchen drawers looking for these while the party gets started?
• Cooler – Great to bring outside while you BBQ and also great to take on trips outside of the cottage.
• Ice cube tray – Another often neglected part of cottage kitchen stock, and often the local store will be quite a drive away to stock up on bags of ice!
• Garbage bags – Please keep parks clean!
• Insulated water bottle for hot/cold beverage
• Utensils – These are great packable ones designed for camping.
• Dishes/Plates/Cups – You don’t need to pack your finest china, these are plastic alternative, dishwasher and microwave safe, and really lightweight.
• Cutting board

Fire Pit Gear

If you are booking fire pits rather than a BBQ you might need to prepare slightly differently. We usually use firewood for fire pits but if you plan to cook food over the fire, consider using charcoal for better heat distribution.

• Axe / saw – A chopping axe is useful to split firewood to create smaller logs or kindling.
• Lighter / matches
• Firewood + kindling + fire starter
• Charcoal + lighter fluid (kerosene)
• Tarp – To keep firewood dry.
• Fan / air blower – For ventilating the fire pit like one of these pocket fire billows.
• Skewers – These telescoping roasting sticks are super handy for marshmallows and s’mores.
• Grilling rack over the fire
• Water jug – This is just handy to have to rinse stuff off or at the end of the night to put out the fire. We usually just bring something like an empty 2L Tropicana jug.
• Baby wipes – Any kind of cleaning wipes or wet naps will do. Marshmallows = sticky fingers so it’s nice to have these by your side while making s’mores.

Extras To Enjoy Your Day

• Sunblock – The best sunscreen on the market is the Sun Bum. Use 50 SPF for your face and 50 SPF for body. I recommend different ones because the ones for your face are less oily.
• Insect repellent – The spring and summer is when mosquitoes thrive so make sure you have the right protection. These days, you also have to think about ticks. Here’s what I recommend: In the US, use Repel. In Canada, we recommend Deep Woods.
• Ointment for bug bites – Mosquitoes love me and have found that After-Bite helps with the itchiness.
• Lip balm with SPF – Don’t underestimate the change in air and the strength of the sun, particularly if you are higher altitude.
• Quick dry towel – Ideal if you plan on swimming anywhere, these travel towels are good to have. These also double up as great beach towels.

Bottom Line

We wish bringing your own grill to a Toronto park is as easy as it should be but as you’ve read above, officially, you need to get a picnic permit.

Once you’ve figured that part out, it’s just a matter of picking a park to picnic in. There’s plenty to choose from with the parks listed above.

If you need more ideas, these are the best parks in Scarborough.

What are you guys waiting for? With this list of Toronto parks you can BBQ in, it’s time to pack you grill, bring your lawn chairs, load your cooler with food and drinks, and head on out. 

It’s time to get your grill on!

Frequently Asked Questions

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